RESOLUTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “CENTRAL ASIA: TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THROUGH A STRONG REGIONAL INSTITUTION” DEDICATED TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR SAVING THE ARAL SEA
We, the participants of the International Conference “Central Asia: Towards Sustainable Future through a Strong Regional Institution” dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, representing governments, international and regional organizations, UN agencies, financial institutions, civil society and other stakeholders:
Taking into account an important and significant event the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea as a unique regional structure for strengthening water and environmental cooperation and partnership in achieving sustainable development, including the SDGs for the period up to 2030 and the goals of the International Decade of Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, maintaining health and a decent person quality of life;
Considering the availability of water, energy and other natural resources in the region, relevant infrastructure, existing national legislation, bilateral and multilateral framework and other agreements, resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly on the Aral Sea basin and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea;
Noting the presence of transboundary rivers, the commonly shared of many socio-economic and environmental problems against the background of water scarcity, climate change and its consequences, natural disaster risks, the interconnection of various types of water use – “water- energy-food-ecosystems” (Nexus), as well as the importance of achieving effective water resources management to resolve them;
Emphasizing the importance of expanding water and ecological cooperation, water diplomacy, advancing the role of women and youth, spiritual ties between generations, preparation of qualified personnel, strengthening all mechanisms for regulating water relations and resolving disputes, especially at the cross-border level, including taking measures to mitigate the consequences of the Aral ecological disaster on a planetary scale, climate change and related negative processes;
Emphasizing the expediency of rational and efficient use of water, energy and other natural resources in the region, the need to continue work on improving the mechanisms of long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation, with consideration of the interests of all parties;
have discussed a wide range of topical issues that require intensified action in the context of existing problems and possible future risks;
and highlighted the following:
- In Central Asia, water is an essential component of socio-economic development, as well as a key element of national and regional security. The countries of the region have always adhered to the position of development of an equitable and comprehensive cooperation on water and energy issues on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, support and mutual consideration of interests;
- The Central Asian states have favorable opportunities to strengthen partnership in the field of water resources, environmental protection, glaciers preservation and other areas of cooperation within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, which has shown its effectiveness over 30 years of work;
- The states of the Aral Sea basin demonstrate to the world community the unity of the positions of the countries of the region, including through joint participation and statements at major thematic events: the UN 2023 Water Conference, the 9th World Water Forum, etc.
The participants of the conference, considering the above, as well as the main points of the discussions held during the plenary and thematic sessions, appeal:
- to the governments of the Central Asian countries to make additional efforts to improve institutional and legal mechanisms, raising awareness and taking action to mitigate water-related risks attract and apply new progressive technologies, increase funding, introduce other innovative tools and approaches, encourage research and exchange, as well as strengthen water and ecological cooperation, water diplomacy to solve the above problems and implement the proposed measures;
- to financial institutions, international organizations, donor countries and other development partners to provide all possible support, including financial, technical, technological, to the countries of Central Asia to solve the main tasks of achieving sustainable development, especially in rural areas, including the implementation of the Action Program to Assist the countries of the Aral Sea basin (ASBP-4) by 2030 and the Regional Environmental Protection Program for the Sustainable Development of Central Asia;
- to the representatives of private sector of the region to promote the solution of water problems and the introduction of “green” technologies, including through the use of alternative energy sources, new investments, in particular, through public-private partnership mechanisms;
- to the civil society of the region to actively participate in discussions of water problems and generation of ideas, proposals for joining efforts with the government, private sectors and international organizations to solve them.
The conference participants express gratitude to the bodies and organizations of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and other partners for organizing the Conference at a high level and creating conditions for fruitful work, as well as the host party for the hospitality provided.
Adopted On the 7th of June, 2023,
Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan
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